The new OS, features, functionality, that excites me. An even better display will be very cool. The looks, however don't do anything for me and I hope it is prettier in real life. The camera is big issue for me, however. I can't have it and be able to have my blackberry with me everywhere I go. But, I know there will eventually be a next generation blackberry without a camera. So, I'll probably be using my 8700 until it quits and switch to an 88XX, unless that next-generation-no-camera model comes along first.

I doubt you will see any more camera-less BB being introduced. More people want them then don't. I also read about a patent RIM filed that allows the camera to be hardware disabled. Expect this to be the way of things.

at least for the short term i would assume you will still very much see cameras not built into at least one series devices. The government after all, is still the single largest customer for RIM. It wouldnt make sense to eliminate them from updates by building a camera into a device. Even though going forward it can be disabled by IT policy, I am sure the DoD and Homeland security will want no camera.

Speaking of the buttons. Anyone look carefully at the Engadget's 3rd photo? Notice that it looks like the Letter Q is pealing?! Or are the keys semi transparent? Or I'm I drooling so much that my mind is semi-transparent?

That zen type theme looks like an animated Gif for a desktop picture. Remember how the blackberry8800.com site loads with those beautiful swirling mysts? I want that!

I guess you have never played with the iphone. Mobile Safari is 1000 times better then mobile IE.

cant really judge a matter of personal preference there ArgonNJ. saying YOU like it 1000 times better, or YOU find its functionality/feel 1000 times better is one thing. Saying that another person basically doesnt know what they are talking about when they are talking of their personal preference is a stretch.